The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended five men suspected to be members of an armed robbery gang that allegedly posed as vigilante operatives to carry out attacks in Awka and nearby communities.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
He said the suspects were taken into custody by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, as part of ongoing investigations into cases of criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.
According to the police, the suspects—identified as Solomon Saddah, Okolocha George Kaosisochukwu, John Obi Ogwaju, Chukwuemeka Chisom Ikenwa, and Eze Obinna Joshua—were all arrested during an intelligence-driven operation at Ring Road, Nibo, in Awka South Local Government Area.
Ikenga disclosed that items recovered from the suspects included two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, an ash-coloured shuttle bus, face masks, a vehicle plate number, and other materials believed to have been used in carrying out their operations.
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He added that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects allegedly disguised themselves as vigilante personnel while using the shuttle bus to rob unsuspecting members of the public.
“The suspects have made confessional statements and are currently assisting the police with useful information to help track down other members of the criminal network,” the statement noted.
Police authorities assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to rid the state of criminal elements.
